"He didn't even know he had had a heart attack until the doctors told him at the hospital," said Joan Shaw, his wife of 13 years.

For almost 33 years, Shaw played the role of both hairstylist and listener. He opened his own salon in 1970, which remained in the same location until his death.

"Michael was part psychiatrist, storyteller, jokester, counselor, advisor, confidant and man of a million priceless stories of life," said Tom Meyer, who had gone to the shop about every six weeks for a haircut and to catch up with Shaw.

Shaw was born in Chicago, Ill. in February 1943. At the age of 16 he joined the Navy and spent several years on an aircraft carrier, first stationed in San Diego and then in Hawaii.

After being discharged, Shaw made his way to Willow Glen in 1965. He was unsure of his future and decided that hairstyling was a great way to meet people, especially women. His plan worked.

After attending Willow Glen Beauty College, Shaw worked in a few salons and met the woman who would become his first wife. She later died of cancer.

Joan Shaw was his second wife, whom he began dating when she was a client at his salon.

Joan Shaw had two small girls from a prior marriage and both girls grew to see Michael as a father rather than a stepfather, she says.

"We were very important to Michael. He was always there for us to give advice, but not until we asked for it. He was our dad," said Krista Bossie about her stepfather.

"I always thought of Michael as my father. He was someone you could talk to about anything," said stepdaughter Nicole Mason.

A memorial service was held on May 28 at St. Christopher's Church.

"There had to be at least 120 people at the service. It was great to see all of the people whose lives Michael touched coming there to show their respect for him," said Joan Shaw.

The salon's lease is due to expire, and Joan says she will be closing the shop.

"Michael worked alone. There's really no one to take over the shop, and I don't think it would be the same without him there," she added.